Learning what it feels like to have a natural birth is one of the best ways to help you cope with the pain of giving birth on the big day.
The sensation of pain that you will feel may be different from other mothers. However, as an illustration, there are 3 stages of normal labor pain that mothers generally go through.
Among them are pain due to contractions, then when the mother pushes the baby out through the cervix, and finally when the mother expels the placenta a few minutes after the baby is born.
For more details, see the explanation regarding pain during childbirth below, okay, Mom.
Causes of Pain During Childbirth
The feeling of giving birth, especially normal labor, is certainly indescribable, aka very painful. This is caused by contractions of the uterine muscles and pressure on the cervix.
This pain can feel like strong cramps in the abdomen, groin, and back, as well as a sore feeling. Some women also experience pain in their sides or thighs.
The first stage of pain begins during the contraction process where the mother experiences changes in the size of the cervix, or called opening. After that, enter the second stage, which is when the mother pushes the baby to be born into the world. Finally, when the mother removes the placenta a few minutes after the baby is born.
Other causes of pain during labor include pressure on the bladder and bowels by the baby’s head and stretching of the birth canal and vagina.
Labor pain is different for every woman. It varies greatly from woman to woman and even from pregnancy to pregnancy.
Often it is not the pain of each contraction itself that women feel. But the fact that the contractions keep coming – and as labor progresses – even the time between them becomes shorter and shorter, making it difficult for mothers to relax or take a break.
3 Stages of Normal Labor Pain, This is What It Feels Like to Give Birth
First Stage: Latent Phase
The first stage (contraction period) is the longest part of labor and can last up to 20 hours before the baby is born. This stage (early phase) begins when the cervix begins to open (dilate) and ends when it is completely open (up to 10 cm dilation).
Next, the cervix will gradually thin and open the birth canal. Mother will feel light contractions that last for 30-90 seconds. The longer, the contractions will be felt more regularly. For example, it happens every 5 minutes.
Then as time goes by, the cervix will start to open little by little. Then there will be mucus mixed with blood coming out of the vagina.
This initial phase will end when the cervical dilation has reached 4-6. However, each mother will experience a different time when reaching dilation.
If this is your first delivery, it will usually take 6-12 hours. However, if you have given birth before, it will usually be faster.
Once the initial phase has passed, the active phase of labor pain will begin, the signs of which are as follows:
- The cervix will dilate faster. When this happens, the opening of the cervix can reach 6-9. Then, the contractions that come are stronger, longer and more frequent.
- The mother will feel discomfort in the active phase. On average, she will experience leg cramps, pressure on the back, and maybe nausea. If not yet felt, the water will break in this phase.
- At this stage, mothers are advised to immediately rush to the hospital or maternity home.
- The intensity of the pain will increase. If you can’t stand it, you can ask for a pain reliever or an anesthetic injection.
- The active phase lasts between 4-8 hours, but can vary from mother to mother.
Tips to Help Through the Active Phase of Labor:
- Try changing your position. You may want to try a comfortable position using a birth ball when contractions return.
- Soak in a warm bath or take a warm shower.
- Continue practicing breathing and relaxation techniques.
Perhaps practicing breathing and relaxation techniques such as massage or listening to music can help you. Remember that each contraction means that the baby is about to be born.
Support and positive affirmation are very much needed in this first stage. So, ask a companion (husband or family) to give you positive support.
Stage Two: Active Labor Phase
The second stage of labor begins when your cervix is fully dilated at 10 centimeters. The active labor phase will continue until the baby passes through the birth canal into the vagina, and is finally born. You may go through this phase for two hours or more.
The conditions that you experience at this stage are:
- No longer feeling contractions like in the active phase. The distance between contractions is not so close so you have more time to rest.
- Slowly the position of the fetus is getting lower into the birth canal. Mothers are advised to wait and be patient, even though they are feeling very sick and want to push.
- If the fetus is already at the lower end of the pelvis, the urge to push will come naturally. However, if the fetus is still far from the lower end of the pelvis, usually the mother will not feel the urge to push.
- After a while, a bulge will appear in the tissue between the vagina and anus when you push. Then the baby’s scalp will be visible.
- Over time the urge to push will become stronger. The pressure of the fetus’ head will be felt more intensely, then accompanied by a strong pain due to the stretching of the tissue in the birth canal.
- The more you push, the more the baby’s head will be pushed out. Follow the instructions from your midwife or doctor so that this process runs smoothly.
- After the baby comes out, the mouth and nose are immediately cleaned so that it can breathe easily. Upon arrival in the world, the little one covered in mucus will be dried. The baby is swaddled to keep warm, after which the midwife or doctor will clamp the umbilical cord and cut it.
- This is the time when mother will meet her baby in a relieved and happy state.
Stage Three: Transition Phase
Even though you can see, hug, and kiss your baby, the labor process does not stop here. The next process that will be experienced is as follows:
- Have to wait until the placenta comes out of the womb. Usually the placenta will come out after 5-10 minutes after the baby is born. However, some people wait up to 1 hour.
- At this transition stage, mothers can initiate early breastfeeding (IMD) to the baby. As we know, the IMD process will be very useful for creating bonding between mother and baby. Although it seems difficult at first, don’t give up. Keep bringing the baby’s lips close to your breast until he sucks on the nipple.
- After the placenta is born, the doctor or midwife will stitch up the laceration of the birth canal (episiotomy). However, beforehand you will be given an anesthetic to reduce pain.
If it is your first time giving birth, the entire birthing process will usually take 10-20 hours. The birthing process will be faster for the second delivery.
Preparing for Pain During Childbirth
Every mother’s pain during labor is different. Try talking to your midwife or obstetrician about what pain management methods you will use to help reduce pain during labor, whether it involves medication or not.
To help manage pain during labor, here are some things you can start doing before or during pregnancy:
1. Regular and Reasonable Exercise
Consult the type of exercise that you can do. The goal of this exercise is to help strengthen your muscles and prepare your body for the stress of labor. Exercise can also increase endurance, which is very useful if you have a long labor.
The important thing to remember about exercise is not to overdo it, because you are pregnant! Consult with your obstetrician about the type of exercise, duration and exercise plan that is safe to do.
2. Take Childbirth Classes
If you and your partner attend a childbirth class, you will also learn a variety of pain management techniques, from visualization to stretches designed to strengthen the muscles that support the uterus.
The two most common birth philosophies in the United States, according to the pageKids Health, are the Lamaze technique and the Bradley method.
- The Lamaze technique teaches that birth is a normal, natural, and healthy process, and that women should face labor and the pain of childbirth with confidence. Lamaze classes teach expectant mothers how to reduce their perception of pain, using relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, distractions, or massage by a supportive coach. Lamaze leaves the decision to use pain medication entirely up to the expectant mother.
- The Bradley Method , also known as Husband-Coached Birth, emphasizes a natural approach to birth and the active participation of the baby’s father as a birth coach. The main goal of this method is to avoid drugs unless absolutely necessary, and focuses on good nutrition, exercise during pregnancy, and relaxation and breathing techniques as methods of coping with labor.
While the Bradley method encourages a drug-free birth experience, the class also addresses complications or unexpected situations, such as an emergency cesarean section.
Drug-free ways to manage pain during labor include:
- Hypnosis
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Walk
- Massage or counterpressure
- Change position
- Bathe
- Listening to music
- Divert the mother’s attention by counting or doing activities that keep her mind busy.
3. Other Methods
There is also something callednnitrous oxideor “laughing gas”. This treatment option is provided by the US for childbirth, according to the page Asahq.This can help reduce anxiety, but it does not eliminate pain.
Nitrous oxide has the potential to affect breathing, decrease consciousness and cause nausea, vomiting and dizziness. More research is needed to determine how effective nitrous oxide is , the potential complications it can cause and whether there are any possible long-term side effects for the mother and baby.
Safe Painkillers
Different types of pain medications may be used during labor and delivery, depending on the situation. Many women rely on these medications, and they can be very helpful in relieving pain quickly so that the mother can focus her energy on getting through the contractions. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of each type of medication.
- Analgesics relieve pain, but do not completely numb it, do not affect sensation or muscle movement. They can be given in many ways, including intravenously (infusion into a vein) or by injection into a muscle (which can affect the whole body). Side effects of these drugs in the mother include drowsiness and nausea – and they can affect the baby as well.
- General anesthesia. This is the only type of pain medication used during labor that makes you unconscious. With general anesthesia, you won’t be awake for the birth of your baby. It works quickly and is usually used only if you need an emergency cesarean section or have other urgent medical problems (such as bleeding).
- Epidural , a form of local anesthesia to relieve most of the pain of the entire body below the belly button, including the vaginal walls, during labor and delivery. An epidural is given by an anesthesiologist through a thin, tube-like catheter inserted into a woman’s lower back. It takes about 15 minutes for the pain medication to work, and the amount of medication can be increased or decreased as needed. You will be awake and alert during labor, and you will feel pressure. You may also push when it’s time to deliver your baby. The medication probably has little effect on your baby. The downside is that it can lower your blood pressure, making it difficult to urinate—and in some cases, it can also slow your baby’s heart rate. And some women may experience symptoms such as itching, nausea, headaches, and back pain (where the needle was inserted).
- Sedatives. Sedatives do not relieve pain, but they can help calm and relax the mother and relieve anxiety. They are usually used in conjunction with analgesics. In addition to the mother, the baby can also be affected by this drug, therefore this drug is rarely used.
- Spinal block. Used alone or in combination with an epidural ( combined spinal epidural / CSE). The anesthesiologist administers the drug through a needle inserted in the lower back into the spinal canal. The drug works 1.5 to 3 hours after injection. The mother will be numb from the abdomen to the legs and will not feel any pain at all. Usually used for vaginal delivery or planned cesarean section.
Ensure Your Safety Before, During, and After Childbirth
Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, more women are giving birth in their late 30s and 40s. However, older age and conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby. If you are pregnant, you should talk to your obstetrician and anesthesiologist to develop a plan that will ensure the safest pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.
Here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe until delivery is complete:
If you are over 35 years old or older when you get pregnant, are obese, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health conditions, work with your midwife or obstetrician to manage your condition before delivery. Understand all possible complications and have a plan to deal with them if something unexpected happens.
If you have had a bad experience with anesthesia or labor anxiety, let your obstetrician know. Never ignore those feelings. Be sure to ask about other issues that may be of concern to you. For example, whether a tattoo on your lower back could affect an epidural or something else.
Of course, the doctor will always prioritize your safety and that of the baby. However, there is no harm in asking for emergency plans that the doctor and the hospital will do if something serious happens to you or the baby.
Untreated postpartum pain (after vaginal birth and cesarean section) can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder in some mothers, so don’t underestimate your pain. Ask your obstetrician to contact an anesthesiologist if you have questions about managing your pain after delivery.
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Even though giving birth feels so hard with a painful labor process that drains your energy and mind, once you see your baby being born into the world, all of that will disappear and be replaced by a feeling of happiness and gratitude.
Hopefully the explanation above can describe the real feeling or pain of giving birth for you, Mom.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
